Clinics, hospitals and doctors surgeries across Renfrewshire will today celebrate 75 years since the world renowned NHS was founded.
The special birthday will see a plethora of events and festivities hosted across Greater Glasgow and Clyde including at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, which is primed and ready to mark the milestone with celebrations planned for staff, patients and visitors.
Those who arrive at the main atrium of the hospital today will be greeted by a “Clyde thrives at 75” banner and a walk down memory lane as a series of then and now images will be on display.
A comments book will also be unveiled to allow staff and visitors to offer their thanks and reflections of the NHS over the decades.
Staff at the RAH will be put front and centre of the celebrations with a large collage in the form of 75. It has been created from photographs provided by current and former staff, their friends and family in a bid to chart the local workforce over the years.
Staff are also being treated to party food and decor in their employee hubs.
Together the celebrations will allow Buddies to look back at the work that has been done to care for the nation, and look forward to the future, to see how technology and new ways of working can further enhance the great person-centred care provided by the NHS.
Melanie McColgan, Clyde sector director at NHSGGC, said: “I am personally proud to be part of the NHS and it is the staff I work with every day, from doctors and nurses to ward clerks and domestics, that make me really proud.
“These past few years have been some of the most challenging any of us have known, and for our teams to continue to deliver great care, with dignity, humility and good humour, fills me with nothing but the greatest admiration.
“The NHS is a wonderful institution, and the fact it is still held in such high regard by the public after 75 years is testament to the hard work and commitment of all those staff who have dedicated their lives to helping others throughout the years.
“I would like to thank everyone I have worked with throughout the years, and will be celebrating alongside them on July 5.”
Among the other events taking place are an anniversary stall in the main hospital atrium and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the maternity unit.
The incredible volunteers who do so much for staff and patients all year round will also be pulling out all the stops on the wards to ensure there are cupcakes and other treats to mark the occasion.
For those who have time to take a longer walk down memory lane, there will be a collection of photographs including former and current hospital buildings in Clyde areas in the glass corridor of the RAH. It will also feature past and present staff photos, advances in equipment over the years and fun facts about the NHS.
The walk will lead to a balloon arch for ‘selfies’ on the way to the staff wellbeing hub.
Additional events held across NHSGGC will see senior directors involved in the celebrations, serving tea and offering their messages of thanks and support to all staff.
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